5 days Ago
A BELOVED bar which served as a haven for the LGBTQ+ community has vowed to come back stronger following its closure. Infinity Showbar and Lounge, on Alexandra Street in Southend, closed on April 7 after its owners claimed the landlord terminated their lease. The venue’s closure drew an outpouring of support from the public who praised its inclusive environment and friendly staff.
Speaking on the closure and the bar’s future plans, barman Craig Ambrose confirmed Infinity is looking for a new temporary or permanent home and plans to have one in the “next couple of months”. The 33-year-old said: “We’ve had constant telephone calls and messages, there’s been an outpour of support on social media. The Infinity Showbar was a safe haven where people could be themselves.
“We had new drag queens coming through the circuit at our bar, it was important for them. The closure is a great sadness, it’s a great loss. “Staff have now lost their jobs, it’s a dreadful time.
None of it is easy. We had events booked in, we’ve had to cancel them because we have no venue. It’s done a right number on us.
“We haven’t identified any new venues as yet, we don’t want to go too big, we’re quite happy being a smaller, cosy environment. We’re looking for a similar venue, as soon as one becomes available, we will let everyone know. “We’re gutted to be gone, we will be back with you as soon as we possibly can.
In the meantime, monitor our socials, we may go into collaboration with a nearby venue in good time.” Infinity had been home to drag queens Lady Shein and Scarlett Vigilante, and even its owner David Wootton, who performed as Lady Ophelia Hole. Clubgoers were left dejected after the venue announced its closure on April 9, with this sparking an outpouring of sadness among loyal customers.
Craig has vowed the bar will be back and better than ever, and is currently in talks with other venues to find a new home. “The venue at Alexandra Street is gone but we will be back with a bang. Infinity never ends,” he added.
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